Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1887-01-14

w. V. HARPER CHARGED WITH
ENIBEZZLiNG So. 900.

His Partner in the Insurance Business
Brings the Criminal Proce edings-
Damaging Evidence Produced in
Court Against the Accused-The Plain
till and One of the Lawyers Exchange
Flows.
MACON, GA, Jan. 13.-The whole city,
and especially the business portion, has
been busy to-day discussing the sensation
developed at late nour last night by the
arrest and imprisonment in the county
jail, on warrant charging him with lar
ceny after trust, OF William Y. Harper,
OF the prominent insurance firm of Plant
d Harper. The warrant upon which the
arrest was made was issued by Justice
Freeman at the instance Of +. K. Plant,
OF the firm, and the amount Of embuzzie-
ment charged is $500. Tae facts Of the
case were developed 10 the preliminary
investigation this morning in very start
ling and sensational manner.
BAILED FOR TWO HOURS.
Mr. Harper was released from jail at 8
O'Clock on bond of $1,000 si-ned by
Cashier Cabaniss of the Exchange Bank
for bis appearance at 1880 O'Clock before
the Justice. At that hour large num-
her OF people collected in the justices
office and lined the sidewalk contiguous.
Mr.. Harper appeared promptly accom-
panied by Z. l.. Bartlett and Messrs.
Hardeman AID Davis. Mr.. Plant was
present with his attorneys, Il. Lanief
and J. G.. Rutherford. When Justice
Freeman announced ready for business
MIR. Rutherford arose Tor the PROSECUTION
THE FIRST INTIMATION.
He stated that, first, letter had
,,I hh ! -
Insurance C0mpany, asking that the tirm
settleu up debt Of 81, 0O0due on the month
OF April. 1886 Mr. Harper bad repre-
scented that this money had been pad,
that it was purloned by some one, ana
that sub-agent at Eufaula had sent the
firm 5000 due on policies. Mr.. Harper
denied ever receiving the check, but on
inyes tigatiOn it was found that he had
casDed it at the Exchange Bank. Nj.
Harper had also collected money from
parties in Americas and Florida. peck
eted 1t and denied any knowledge OF the
amounts.
AN INNOCENT MAN ACCUSED.
He went so tar as to advocate the prose-
cution of a sub-agent, when he held re
ceipt signed by Dir. Harper. They had in
their posse ssiOn q statement from Mr..
Harper, in hlsown handwriting, ack nOwl-
edging that he had misapprOprlated GER
saln funds. These were produced III
court The prosecution asked or a con
tnuance of the hearing. SO that thew
could get witness es here from New York
and Euraula.
Mr.. Bartlett spoke for the defense, and
urged speedy trial. Mr.. Harper was
not guilty. If ne had used any funds be-
longing to the common firm it was not
larceny. He had a mutual interest in
them and had right to use them.
sCHEMING CHARGED.
At the end OF his speech he stated that
a criminal proceeding had been reeorted
10 to dissolve a cOpartnershiD. His client
believed thai it was an effort to get him
out of the way ana get possess ion OF The
office.
Mr.. Plant pronounced the statement a
lie, when Mr.. Bartlett instantly struck
him and blows were eXcuan2ed. They
were separated and the affair was AMIGA
bly, settled. Justice Freeman continued
the case until Jan. q, TO enable the
prosecution to get certain witnesses.
On account of the prominence OF the
parties concerned as business men the
affair has produced profound sensa-
tiul. and gossip which has been rite
could md no other theme to discuss to-
day. Ii promises still, some rich develop.
ments.